Dunn Vineyards
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Ethereal. Pure earth and red fruit.
Ethereal. Pure earth and red fruit.
Nov 25th, 2018
Another 4th Friday for the books. What a much needed time out of the house and to be with friends after this past week.
Randy Dunn is a genius and there’s really nothing else to say. I’ve been fortunate to have the ‘87 and ‘88 within a 6-week span and both are drinking absolutely wonderfully. Nice tannic structure still. Rhubarb spice, muddled blackberries, and herbal spice. The finish is still quite lengthy! Another reason why Howell Mtn is my favorite AVA out of Napa.
Another 4th Friday for the books. What a much needed time out of the house and to be with friends after this past week.
Randy Dunn is a genius and there’s really nothing else to say. I’ve been fortunate to have the ‘87 and ‘88 within a 6-week span and both are drinking absolutely wonderfully. Nice tannic structure still. Rhubarb spice, muddled blackberries, and herbal spice. The finish is still quite lengthy! Another reason why Howell Mtn is my favorite AVA out of Napa.
Last week was a combo of 4th Friday and Open That Bottle Night on back to back nights. Needless to say, the lineup between both days was full of heavy hitters, so I’m only posting standout bottles.
Yes, that is a 3L of ‘87 Dunn Howell in a gorgeous etched bottle. I think the bottle may have outshone the wine, and that was no easy feat! Compared to the ‘88 I opened a year and a half ago, the vintage and larger format here have kept time hostage as this has aged beautifully. Dusty aromatics of brambly fruits, cassis, currant, graphite, fig, leather and even some baking spices remained. The profile on the palate is warm and soft...ripe baked blackberries, peppercorn, old graham cracker and cedar shavings. Integrated at this stage, but this powered through 5+hrs in bottle and in decanter with zero drop off. Still sporting Dunn’s classic Howell power.
Last week was a combo of 4th Friday and Open That Bottle Night on back to back nights. Needless to say, the lineup between both days was full of heavy hitters, so I’m only posting standout bottles.
Yes, that is a 3L of ‘87 Dunn Howell in a gorgeous etched bottle. I think the bottle may have outshone the wine, and that was no easy feat! Compared to the ‘88 I opened a year and a half ago, the vintage and larger format here have kept time hostage as this has aged beautifully. Dusty aromatics of brambly fruits, cassis, currant, graphite, fig, leather and even some baking spices remained. The profile on the palate is warm and soft...ripe baked blackberries, peppercorn, old graham cracker and cedar shavings. Integrated at this stage, but this powered through 5+hrs in bottle and in decanter with zero drop off. Still sporting Dunn’s classic Howell power.
In a great place. Good balance. Still nice fruit and freshness.
In a great place. Good balance. Still nice fruit and freshness.
Jan 20th, 2017
Mint, red cherry, chocolate, dried herbs, black licorice, cigar box. Fresh acidity, verve. Lighter in weight, super elegant. Cherry, herbal flavors linger on palate.
Mint, red cherry, chocolate, dried herbs, black licorice, cigar box. Fresh acidity, verve. Lighter in weight, super elegant. Cherry, herbal flavors linger on palate.
Dec 10th, 2016
Stunning at almost 30 years of age. Decanted for an hour or so, opened beautifully. Pipe tobacco, plum, dank pit (Moe the bartender), tons of anise, soft tannins with some grip, holding up incredibly well. I would have guessed mid to late 90's napa cab based on looks and taste... thanks @Matthew Nagy what a treat.
Stunning at almost 30 years of age. Decanted for an hour or so, opened beautifully. Pipe tobacco, plum, dank pit (Moe the bartender), tons of anise, soft tannins with some grip, holding up incredibly well. I would have guessed mid to late 90's napa cab based on looks and taste... thanks @Matthew Nagy what a treat.
Mar 15th, 2016The 87 Howell mtn never disappoints. Bright red fruit, refreshing acidity, restrained funk, well structured. Yum!
The 87 Howell mtn never disappoints. Bright red fruit, refreshing acidity, restrained funk, well structured. Yum!
Feb 6th, 2016A little too much bell pepper but still a little of tannins for this wine.
A little too much bell pepper but still a little of tannins for this wine.
Jan 1st, 2016
This wine continues to amaze. 3rd bottle I've had in the last year and it's just getting better and better. So balanced and beautiful. I feel like it's just now hitting it's sweet spot.
This wine continues to amaze. 3rd bottle I've had in the last year and it's just getting better and better. So balanced and beautiful. I feel like it's just now hitting it's sweet spot.
Dec 26th, 2015